Web interface

Run VLC with the parameter --extraintf=http to use both the desktop and web interface. The --http-host parameter specifies the address to, which is localhost by default. To set a password, use --http-password, otherwise VLC will not allow you to log in.

Control using hotkeys or cli

Either run the script from the command line or register the script with keyboard shortcuts through your desktop.

Preventing multiple instances

The default settings for VLC is to open a new instance of the program for each file that is opened. This can be annoying if you are using VLC for something like playing your music collection. To remedy the problem you can do the following:

Open VLC.

Go to Tools > Preferences (Ctrl+P).

Go to the Interface tab and find the "Instances" section.

Tick "Allow only one instance".

Optionally tick "Enqueue files when in one instance mode". This will keep the current file playing and add any newly opened files to the current playlist.

Troubleshooting

PulseAudio lag

When using PulseAudio as the audio output module, you might encounter audio/video sync problems. These problems can usually be fixed by editing /etc/pulse/default.pa or ~/.pulse/default.pa to reflect the following changes. However, this can cause a new audio stuttering problem in some applications such as flash.

Video broken or other issue after upgrade

Now and then VLC will have some issues with configuration even in minor releases. Before making bug reports, remove or rename your configuration located at ~/.config/vlc and confirm whether the issue is still there.

Segmentation fault

When starting VLC you can get a segfault, a possible workaround to this is running the following:

# /usr/lib/vlc/vlc-cache-gen -f usr/lib/vlc/plugins

Then reinstall VLC.

Missing icons in dropdown menus

This can happen under XFCE, there will be no more icons in dropdown menus, like the or the PCI card icon.